AFLW: Phillips ruled out

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 4: Erin Phillips of the Crows clashes with Brittany Gibson of the Lions during the 2017 AFLW Round 05 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Norwood Oval on March 4, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by AFL Media)

Crows co-captain Erin Phillips has been ruled out of Saturday night’s AFLW Grand Final rematch against the Brisbane Lions.

Named in the team on Thursday, Phillips suffered a quad strain at training on Friday night.

Coach Bec Goddard said the reigning AFLW Best and Fairest winner and Club Champion would be assessed next week to determine her availability.

“We’re hoping it’s only a minor injury, but we’ll see how it settles down over the next few days,” Goddard said.

“We’ve managed Erin’s training loads throughout her first, full football pre-season and she was on track to play right up until last night.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing but it will be a good opportunity for other players to step up with Erin and another one of our leaders, Courtney Cramey, out of the side.”

Phillips has been replaced in the selected Crows team by Northern Territory midfielder Sophie Armitstead, who will play her second AFLW game.

“Sophie is a great story,” Goddard said.

“She injured her knee on debut against the Western Bulldogs last season, but has worked her way back and now gets a chance to play in a big game for our Club.”